almost twelfe years ago i first got a plate, after about half a year i got an activator which i had to wear for circa one year. then i got metal braces on top and bottom for 2,5 years and after about six month in braces i got class II elastics. as a retainer i had to wear an activator at night and the clear invisaglin like retainers at daytime

Started off with an activator and high-pull headgear. Later on I also got a neck strap headgear, but didn’t have to wear them at the same time. The activator also had an expansion screw fitted, which I needed to start turning after the first months. As I didn’t really stick to the required wearing time from my orthodontist, she gave up on my treatment with those appliances after 1,5 years.

As an alternative, and an option that required less “cooperation”, I got a Herbst appliance with expander, later followed by metal brackets on top and bottom. After the Herbst was removed, I had to wear rubber bands (again, did not do that all the time ).

That all lasted 4-5 years and I got fitted with fixed retainers. After they came loose from time to time and the top one even broke eventually, I got removable retainers as well. Still wearing them once a week at night.

Started off with an activator and high-pull headgear. Later on I also got a neck strap headgear, but didn’t have to wear them at the same time. The activator also had an expansion screw fitted, which I needed to start turning after the first months. As I didn’t really stick to the required wearing time from my orthodontist, she gave up on my treatment with those appliances after 1,5 years.

As an alternative, and an option that required less “cooperation”, I got a Herbst appliance with expander, later followed by metal brackets on top and bottom. After the Herbst was removed, I had to wear rubber bands (again, did not do that all the time ).

That all lasted 4-5 years and I got fitted with fixed retainers. After they came loose from time to time and the top one even broke eventually, I got removable retainers as well. Still wearing them once a week at night.

wow it sounds like they tried 'everything' on you! if you don't mind me asking, what was the worst part of the treatment for you? I've always thought a Herbst looks very uncomfortable but as you pointed out it requires less 'co-operation' so you just have to get on with it!!